Sherif Khairy

So 2018 has come to an end. As always, there are a ton of lists that check off the best things in 2018, and the top things to look forward to in 2019. But among those infinite lists, one in particular caught our attention. Trip Advisor just published their Traveler’s Choice Awards of the best beaches in different regions around the world, and our very own Sharm El Luli took the first spot in the Middle East beaches.

Sharm El Luli beach is located in Marsa Alam, one of Cairo’s most beautiful Red Sea destinations. The beautiful beach is considered as a prime destination for people travelling to Marsa Alam thanks to its pristine and clear blue waters, and the underwater sea life makes it a perfect spot for snorkelling. For a relaxing time by the beach, you can also sit at one of the Bedouin tents and enjoy drinks; what’s better than tea by the sea?

What makes Sharm El Luli even better is the attention it’s given by government officials; the beach is exceptionally well-preserved, and all the services offered there are monitored closely. The beach is very secluded, with white sands and a bit of primitive feel to it. The serenity, comfort, seclusion, and beautiful colours give this beach its other name, Paradise. It is about 60km south of Marsa Alam town and has a gentle gradient which starts very shallow and drops to a maximum depth of 20 metres.

You’ll need to know, though, that the area is undeveloped despite its popularity, there are no restaurants or toilets, just a major focus on the beach and the sea. Visitors say that this is part of the attraction. The beach and surrounding desert lie inside the Wadi El Gemal (Valley of the Camels), which is a National Park where construction is prohibited.

People love this place for the sea life. There are diverse species of fish; you can marvel at the beauty of butterflyfish, pufferfish, Napoleon fish, and clownfish. You can also eye some sea turtles during your snorkelling or diving trip.

You can book a trip with a selection of trip planners from your hotel. While the beach is usually popular, you can be lucky enough to arrive in total solitude, so there’s no real rule to busy seasons. Remember to bring a mat or rug, as well as some sunscreen and the necessary clothing items to protect from the sun. It would be wise to bring some soft drinks, snorkelling equipment, or even toilet paper. In short, take everything you might need.

To best enjoy the beach, make sure you have a few hours of free time there to make the trip worthwhile. Swim in numbers and make sure you keep checking how far you’ve got from the shore, or wear a life jacket if you’re not the best of swimmers, there’s no shame in that. Try to pick a day that’s not so windy for the best underwater visibility, and don’t forget to take a calming stroll along the beach.

Sharm El Luli, aka Paradise, is quite a beautiful beach, with the prime attraction being the nature and the solitude. Its primitive nature may not suit everyone, but that’s a huge part of its charm. Once you go there, you’ll see just why it got the first spot in Trip Advisor’s Middle East beach rankings and the 22nd spot worldwide.